Notre Dame tailback James Aldridge leaps over defenders on a nice gain in the first half against Michigan State. In the first extended game action of his two-year career, Aldridge responded with a career-best 104 rushing yards on 18 carries.

SOUTH BEND -- Notre Dame sophomore running back James Aldridge is still gimpy from an ankle injury sustained last Saturday against Duke. Irish head coach Charlie Weis doesn't expect it to last. "I think because of Robert, James may get healthy quicker," Weis said with a chuckle. No, it's not a new team doctor. Robert is Robert Hughes, as in the freshman running back who stepped in for Aldridge and rushed for a career-high 110 yards on 17 carries with a touchdown Saturday. It's Robert Hughes, as in the team leader with a 4.5 average per rush.

Brian Smith could probably tell you how much pocket change resides under the seat cushions and just what types of food have been spilled on the old couch back in South Bend. It wasn't even Smith's couch, technically. It belonged to ex-Notre Dame football teammates Jonas Gray and Gary Gray (no relation). And it is the closest thing Smith had to a home for 121/2 weeks last fall. That's when football ended for the former Irish linebacker -- or so it seemed.

SOUTH BEND -- The smile on Robby Parris' face at first looked forced as he faced a final walk up the Notre Dame Stadium tunnel. But it eventually became genuine after the senior handed over his receivers gloves as souvenirs before chatting up some young fans. James Aldridge didn't stop as he shook hands while making his way up the tunnel's left side. Fans too wanted something from Kyle McCarthy -- a glove, a high-five, any sort of acknowledgment. But after five seasons of giving his all, the senior captain stared straight ahead, a bitter loss to end his home career, leaving him with nothing left to give.

SOUTH BEND What a great ol' saying: If ifs and buts were candy and nuts, every day would be Christmas. It's not a holiday atmosphere around the Notre Dame football team these days, but there are plenty of ifs and buts swirling around the program as the second half of the season begins. -If receiver Michael Floyd would have been healthy Saturday, Notre Dame would have beaten Southern Cal. That's not to take anything away from Robby Parris, who had a courageous effort (nine receptions, 92 yards)

SOUTH BEND -- The best news to hit the Notre Dame football program this week may have nothing to do with Saturday's showdown between the 25th-ranked Irish (4-1) and No. 6 USC (4-1). Michael Floyd returned to the practice field Tuesday afternoon -- way ahead of schedule. Not enough ahead of schedule that he could play in the game Saturday at Notre Dame Stadium, but a mid-November return to game action is now possible. Floyd, one of the leading receivers in the nation when he suffered a broken collarbone Sept.

SOUTH BEND -- The best news to hit the Notre Dame football program this week may have nothing to do with Saturday's showdown between the 25th-ranked Irish (4-1) and No. 6 USC (4-1). Michael Floyd returned to the practice field Tuesday afternoon - way ahead of schedule. Not enough ahead of schedule that he could play in the game Saturday at Notre Dame Stadium, but a mid-November return to game action is now possible. Floyd, one of the leading receivers in the nation when he suffered a broken collarbone Sept.